James "Jim" P. Phinney

James Page Phinney, age 77, of McCook, NE passed away Saturday, September 22, 2018 in Lincoln, NE after a short and courageous battle with cancer.

Jim was born March 30, 1941 in North Platte, NE to parents Russell and Mildred (Gordon) Phinney.  He was one of two children born to this union.

Jim graduated from McCook High School in 1959 and then went on to attend McCook Community College, graduating in 1961.  Following his college graduation, Jim began his 52 year career at McCook Public Power where he worked his way up to the General Manager before his retirement in 2013.

Jim married Patricia Mohrman on January 19, 1962 in McCook and to this union four children were born: Natalie, David, Jeanette and Kristie.  Jim later married Patty Plas (Northeim) on July 14, 1995, also in McCook, adding two stepsons, RJ and Aaron Plas, to the family.

Jim was a member of Peace Lutheran Church where he served on the finance committee.  He enjoyed fishing, gardening, woodworking and collecting and restoring John Deere Tractors.  He was a member of the Heritage Tractor Club.  Jim was a loyal McCook Bison fan.  He was the first McCook football player to play in the Shrine Bowl. Jim loved spending time with his family, especially the grandkids.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Mildred Phinney.

Jim is survived by his wife, Patty, of McCook: children, Natalie (Jim) Rickel of Red Feather Lakes, CO, David (Deb) Phinney of Grand Island, NE Jeanette (Doug) Meissinger of Goodland, KS and Kristie (Chad) Nickel of McCook; two step sons RJ (Kelly) Plas of Lincoln and Aaron (Laura) Plas of Columbus, NE; one sister, Jackie (Francis) Friehe of Culbertson, NE; brother-in-law Jim (Carrie) Northeim of Vermilion, OH; and sister-in-law Nancy Northeim of Westlake, OH.  Also surviving are grandchildren Carissa (Kyle) Stritt and their children Avery, Leah, and Kasen all of Axtell, NE, Brandon Howell and fiancé Shannon Fox of Axtell, Brett Meissinger of Goodland, Trisha (Alan) Haag of Danbury, NE, Sarah Phinney of Alma, NE, Rachel and Nicole Phinney of Lincoln, Baylor and Layton Winters of McCook, Sammi, Emily and Drew Plas of Lincoln and Cooper, Kennedy and Adlee Plas of Columbus as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.